Pep Guardiola has launched a remarkable attack on referees and VAR as Manchester City continue chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
City head into Wednesday’s clash against Crystal Palace knowing they cannot afford any more mistakes with only a handful of matches remaining.
The pressure increased further after Arsenal’s controversial 1-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday.
The Hammers thought they had rescued a dramatic late equaliser through Callum Wilson before VAR ruled the goal out after deciding Pablo Felipe fouled David Raya.
That decision immediately reignited debate around officiating and VAR consistency.
Now Guardiola has admitted he has completely lost trust in referees during his decade in English football. Guardiola said:
“We lost the two FA Cup finals because the referees didn’t do their job that they should do. Even the VAR. When this happened, it’s because we have to do better.
“Not the referees. I have never trusted anything [with VAR] since I arrived a long time ago. You have to do it better. Do it better.
“If you want to be in that position, do better because you have to blame yourselves.The City manager also referenced the last two FA Cup finals.”
Last season, Guardiola watched his side lose against Crystal Palace after goalkeeper Dean Henderson avoided a red card despite handling outside the area.
A year earlier, City also suffered defeat against rivals Manchester United after two penalty appeals involving Erling Haaland were ignored.
Guardiola insisted his players must stop relying on officials and instead focus only on their own performances. The Spaniard said:
“That [VAR] is a flip of a coin. You have to do it better yourself.”
Despite sitting five points behind Arsenal, City still hold a game in hand and remain firmly inside the title race.
However, Guardiola warned his players that losing focus now could destroy their hopes of winning another Premier League crown. He said:
“The important thing is Palace and we see what happens in the next ones. I’ve learned when you lose focus, you are in a dangerous situation.”
If Manchester City beats Crystal Palace, they will be just two points behind the leaders Arsenal heading into the final weeks of the season.
“We lost two finals because of referees”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has “never trusted anything” with referees and VAR after a pivotal decision in the Premier League title race 🏆 pic.twitter.com/9M4DXUw3mZ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 13, 2026
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